How to Eat Cottage Cheese 10 Tasty Ways

It's official: Cottage cheese has made a comeback. Once considered a diet food of the 1970s, the dairy product has become all the rage on social media, where people are sharing unconventional (and delicious!) ways to use the ingredient. Learn why cottage cheese is cool again, plus how to eat cottage cheese and the different types to choose from, according to culinary professionals.

What's So Great About Cottage Cheese?

• Availability: As a staple product in the dairy aisle, cottage cheese is easy to find. It's sold at grocery stores both big and small—and you might even find it at drug stores, delis, and gas stations. Plus, with so many brands of cottage cheese on the market, you're sure to find one that fits your budget.
• Nutrition: Nutritionally, cottage cheese has a lot to offer. It's a rich source of protein, which reduces hunger and supports muscle growth. It also contains essential nutrients, including calcium, magnesium, potassium, and vitamin B12, according to the experts at the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The only catch? Cottage cheese tends to be high in sodium, though you can find low-sodium versions at the supermarket.
• Ease of use: Cottage cheese is convenient and easy to use. It can be enjoyed right out of the tub, so there's no prep work needed.
• Versatility: If cottage cheese had a claim to fame, it would be its versatility. You can enjoy it as is, serve it as a topping, or blend it with other ingredients. It also works well in baked goods, sauces, pasta dishes, smoothies, and salads, just to name a few preparations.
• Flavor: Cottage cheese is mild, creamy, slightly tangy, and neutral in flavor, and pairs well with both sweet and savory ingredients, says Que Rice, chef, founder of Cooking With Que, and owner of The Kitchen by Cooking With Que, a Detroit restaurant that offers cooking classes and culinary demonstrations.

Types of Cottage Cheese

Percentage of Fat

Typically, cottage cheese is categorized by its fat content:

• Full-fat (4 percent)
• 2 percent fat
• 1 percent fat
• Fat-free

"High-fat cottage cheese tends to have a richer, creamier mouthfeel," says Bridget Vickers,
chef and associate dean of students at the Institute of Culinary Education in Los Angeles. "The fat contributes to a more indulgent, smooth texture and a slightly sweet, buttery flavor."

In contrast, lower-fat cottage cheese is usually drier, firmer, and more crumbly. "It can taste tangier since the fat isn't there to balance the acidity, [and] the moisture content tends to be lower, making it less creamy," adds Vickers.

Other Types

Cottage cheese is also available without lactose, with added probiotics, whipped, and flavored. Depending on the brand, flavored varieties can be sweet or savory.

How to Eat Cottage Cheese

Cottage cheese can be used like other creamy dairy products, including cream cheese, ricotta, sour cream, and yogurt. Here are our favorite ways to use it:

• Eat it with fruits: Cottage cheese and fruits are a classic pairing, and it's for a good reason too. The velvety texture and neutral flavor of cottage cheese will balance the crisp sweetness of fruits, such as berries, peaches, and apples. Serve the cottage cheese as a topping for fruit, or if you're craving a more protein-forward snack, prepare a cottage cheese bowl and add the fruits on top.
• Serve it with vegetables: Vegetables, like fruits, are popular partners for cottage cheese. Try sprinkling fresh herbs on cottage cheese and serving it as a dip for celery, carrots, or bell peppers.
• Spread it on toast: Another traditional way to eat cottage cheese is to spread it on toast. The ingredient also pairs well with other crunchy ingredients, such as crackers and pretzels. 
• Use it in pancakes: "Blend cottage cheese with eggs, oats, and a pinch of baking powder to create fluffy, high-protein pancakes," suggests Rice. "The cottage cheese adds moisture and a slight tang, while [making the pancakes] light and airy."
• Try it in a dip: When pureed in a blender, cottage cheese becomes incredibly velvety and creamy. This makes it an excellent addition to dips and spreads, like this creamy edamame dip. The trick is to use full-fat cottage cheese, which will provide the desired level of silkiness, says Rice.
• Mix it into a sauce: For a protein-rich twist on Alfredo sauce, reach for cottage cheese. Blend it with fresh garlic, Parmesan cheese, and a bit of milk to create a smooth cream sauce, says Rice. "The tanginess of the cottage cheese complements the richness of the Parmesan, making it a healthy yet flavorful option," she adds.
• Use it as a stuffing: From stuffed shells to stuffed mushrooms, cottage cheese makes an excellent filling. For example, you can stuff bell peppers with a mixture of cottage cheese,
  ground meat, and herbs, suggests Rice. "The cottage cheese will melt into the filling, adding creaminess without the heaviness of other cheeses," she says. It's also a wonderful substitute for ricotta in ravioli or lasagna, as recommended by Vickers. Be sure to blend the cottage cheese first, as this will make its texture similar to ricotta, she suggests.
•  Make flatbread: Take a tip from Rice and turn cottage cheese into a flourless, gluten-free, and high-protein flatbread. In a blender, combine a cup of cottage cheese, two eggs, and spices of your choice. Spread the mixture on a lined baking sheet, then bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 to 40 minutes. Enjoy the flatbread as a wrap or pizza with your favorite toppings.
• Blend it in a smoothie: The neutral flavor of cottage cheese will complement your favorite
  smoothie recipe. It will also add a punch of protein and creaminess, making your drink extra satisfying.
• Use it in baked goods: "In baking, you can substitute cottage cheese for ricotta in baked cheesecakes, tarts, or Italian desserts, like cannoli," says Vickers. When it's blended and drained well, cottage cheese can give a light texture to the filling while providing a rich, creamy flavor she says. 
  

How to Store Cottage Cheese

Always store cottage cheese in the refrigerator. Make sure the container is tightly sealed to prevent air exposure, says Rice.

Shelf-life

"Cottage cheese typically lasts for five to seven days after opening," says Rice. However, if your cottage cheese develops an off smell, mold, or textural changes, you'll want to toss it.